Glossary
Zebra lens
A zebra lens is a Carl Zeiss Jena or Meyer-Optik lens from roughly the 1960s whose focus and aperture rings carry alternating bands of polished aluminium and black, a styling cue collectors use to date it.
Also called zebra stripe lens, zebra barrel
How it works
The striping is cosmetic, not optical. It marks a production era between the earlier all-aluminium barrels and the later all-black multicoated versions.
For most models the zebra and the later black version share the same optical formula, so the price difference reflects collectability and looks rather than measurable performance. The later black versions often add better coatings.
Zebra barrels use more aluminium and less plastic than what followed, so they tend to survive well mechanically, though decades-old grease still stiffens and benefits from a service.
Why it matters when buying
Pay a premium for a zebra barrel only if you want the look or the era. If you want the best image quality from the same design, the later multicoated black version is often the better buy.